How do I start a legal cover letter?

Feb 11, 2022

Written By Helena Kudiabor

If you’re applying for a vacation scheme, training contract, or any sort of position in the legal sector, you might be asked to write a cover letter as part of the application process. Many students find the prospect of writing a cover letter intimidating, as it can be difficult to know where to start. Here, we’ll explain what a cover letter is and how you should structure it.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a letter to a prospective employer, outlining why you deserve the role you’re applying for, as well as why you’re interested in the firm. The aim is to show your employer that you’re the best candidate for the position, to progress to the next stage of the recruitment process, or to land a job offer.

Be sure that you don’t confuse writing a cover letter with writing a CV. Short for Curriculum Vitae, this is a document detailing your education history, grades, qualifications and work experience. It’s normally written in bullet points or short sentences. CV’s aren’t tailored to each firm you’re applying to. On the other hand, your cover letter will be approximately one page, tailored to each specific firm, and written formally in paragraphs.

Note that cover letters are specific to each firm, so it’s important not to reuse the same cover letters for different firms.

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How do I start my cover letter?

At the beginning of your cover letter, it’s important to state what position you’re applying for, as the firm may be recruiting for several different positions. It’s also worth including how you found out about the opening, for instance if you have a contact at the firm.

It’s a good idea to follow up with something that will make your reader sit up and take interest, like a personal experience that makes you stand out. For instance, if you started your own business, talk about how your organisational skills make you a perfect fit for the firm.

It can be difficult to think of your own personal accomplishments, so it might be helpful to ask friends or family. Just be sure to avoid cliches, such as, “I’ve dreamed of being a lawyer since I was in primary school” or “I’d be a good lawyer because I love arguing.”

What else should my cover letter include?

The second paragraph should include a description of who you are and where you are in your education or career journey. If you’re already working, don’t forget to briefly summarise your educational background. Then, using your CV for inspiration, explain how some of the personal attributes you possess can help the firm. They are looking for you to highlight your soft skills here, such as time management, teamwork and conflict resolution.

To further strengthen your cover letter, use specific examples of these personal attributes at work. For instance, you can talk about how your part-time retail job has taught you how to deal with disputes and to communicate effectively with customers. Don’t forget that you can include non-legal work experience.

Next, focus on the firm. You should explain why you’re specifically interested in them, and what sets them apart from other firms. Be sure to avoid including characteristics common to many law firms, such as them having offices abroad or doing pro-bono work.

Conclude your cover letter by thanking whoever you’re writing to for their time, summarising everything you’ve written, and noting that you’ll look forward to hearing from them.

How can I tailor my cover letter to the firm?

Tailoring a cover letter can be the difference between a successful application and an unsuccessful one. Take the time to research the firm, so you learn its core values and more about its recent cases.

For example, if the firm has done pro-bono work for a charity that’s close to your heart, or you have a personal connection with the location of an overseas office, be sure to include it in your letter.

Any other advice?

When addressing your letter, don’t just use a generic greeting. Cover letters are often addressed to the recruitment or graduate recruitment manager, and the name of this person can often be found on the firm’s website. If you can’t find it, you may want to call the firm and ask, or take a look on Linkedin. It’s a simple task, but one that really shows you're interested in the firm and can use your initiative.

As always, be sure to write formally, and read over your letter several times to check for spelling and grammar issues. It’s a good idea to take a break between writing and proofreading, reading it out loud, or asking someone else to proofread it for you.

By following this advice, you should be able to write a clear and succinct – and successful – cover letter.

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